Posted: January 14, 2025
Deadline to apply: February 21, 2025
Title: INTERPRETATION ASSISTANT (Intern)
Do you have a passion for local history? Are you looking to gain real-world experience working in a museum? Presque Isle Light Station | Lake Erie Lights of PA’s Seasonal Internship will equip you to confidently assist with daily operations of any small historical organization.
Description and Purpose of Position
We are currently looking for an outgoing and enthusiastic individual(s) with experience related to Public History, Education, Environmental Science, or similar fields.
This position assists in the daily operations including staffing (House Docent, Tower Docent, Tickets, Gift Shop), database and file management, research and fieldwork, and other duties as assigned by Management Team. Prospective interns will work closely with the Site Managers and Community Engagement and Programming Manager to fulfill duties. Interested individuals should be open to working frequently with the public, providing excellent visitor experience and customer service. They should also be able to easily interact with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Position Type: Non-Exempt; Part Time Seasonal (20 hours per week, Fri – Mon, Apr. – Oct.)
Can discuss schedule at interview
Rate: $15.00/hour
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Exhibit-Based Interpretation
- Create a welcoming educational environment on site and around our exhibits by actively utilizing a variety of interpretive techniques and engaging with visitors.
- Lead guided tours where necessary.
Visitor Services
- Provide visitors with excellent customer service and general information.
- Monitor visitor use of exhibits and redirect inappropriate behavior; informs supervisors of emergencies or exhibit malfunctions.
- Manage transactions, such as selling tickets and/or merchandise to visitors, handling cash, reporting end of day, and packaging store items as well as stocking inventory in shop.
Safety, Stewardship, and Operations
- Steward the safety of volunteers, visitors, artifacts, exhibits, buildings and grounds.
- Complete opening and closing procedures at lighthouses.
- Assist with Office Management tasks including but not limited to answering phones/emails, data entry, assisting with copying/scanning, and replenishing supplies.
Other duties as assigned by Management Team.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Required
- Friendly, positive attitude and attentive demeanor with strong verbal skills
- Excellent customer service
- Ability to stand for extended periods of time, climb 70-80 stairs multiple times a day, and lift up to 20 pounds; comfortable with heights and small spaces
- Complete PA Child Abuse and PA State Police Clearances (organization will cover cost if these need to be obtained)
Preferred
- Currently enrolled at a college or university
- Familiarity with lighthouse and maritime history
- Experience working with volunteers, children and families
- Experience working in a retail environment
How to apply:
All interested candidates can apply by submitting a resume, cover letter, and 2 letters of recommendation (at least 1 from teacher, professor, or former supervisor).
Please send applications to Averie Shaughnessy-Comfort, Executive Director, at admin@presqueislelighthouse.org. Deadline is February 21, 2025. No phone calls or mail, please.
EOE Statement
It is the Presque Isle Light Station’s policy to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants. No person shall be discriminated against in any condition of employment because of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, military or veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender dysphoria, citizenship status, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.